As researchers, how can we examine an Eastern religion without making wrong assumptions? How can we talk about Eastern religions using a language, such as English or Czech, that is deeply embedded in the context of Christianity? Is it problematic that a white British academic is leading this seminar? In this seminar, we will discuss the concepts of Orientalism and Occidentalism, and explore what these concepts mean within the study of religion. We will particularly focus on how Orientalism can still be seen as a very real problem in research today.
Last update: Chadwin Joseph, Dr. phil. (13.01.2025)
Course completion requirements
After attending this seminar, students will be expected to write a reflection piece (1000 words) about what we have discussed.
Last update: Chadwin Joseph, Dr. phil. (13.01.2025)
Requirements to the exam
Attendence is required and each session will involve an in-class discussion that is based on the class text. These texts will be short examples of Orientalism in action (an advert for a mindfulness course, an article by a "feng shui expert" who cannot speak a word of Chinese etc). These texts will not be long and they will not be academic texts. Their purpose is to generate discussion and give examples of what Orientalism can look like.
Last update: Chadwin Joseph, Dr. phil. (14.01.2025)
